27/10/2026
🐄 THREE-DAY SICKNESS IN CATTLE: KNOW THE SIGNS!
With plenty of three-day sickness around at the moment, it’s important for cattle producers to know what to look for and what to do if their cattle become affected.
Three-day sickness, also known as Bovine Ephemeral Fever (BEF), is a viral disease spread by biting insects. It can come on suddenly, leaving cattle with a high fever, stiffness, lameness and, in more severe cases, unable to stand.
Symptoms can develop suddenly and include:
🌡️ High fever: Temperatures can reach 40–41°C, with shivering and depression.
🐄 Stiffness and lameness: Cattle may be reluctant to walk, stiff when rising or struggle to stand.
💧 Drooling and discharge: Excessive saliva, watery eyes and nasal discharge may occur.
🌾 Going off feed: Affected cattle may stop eating, drinking and chewing their cud.
⬇️ Going down: Some cattle become so stiff and sore they lie down and struggle to get back up. Heavy cattle and bulls can be particularly vulnerable to complications.
🥛 Production and fertility impacts: Milk production can drop sharply, pregnant cows may abort, and bulls may experience temporary infertility.
⚠️ WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?
✅ Contact your vet promptly if you suspect three-day sickness. Other serious diseases can cause similar signs.
✅ Provide shade, shelter, feed and water within easy reach.
✅ If an animal goes down, seek urgent veterinary attention. Remaining down for too long can cause further muscle and nerve damage.
✅ Speak with your vet about appropriate treatment and vaccination to help protect your herd in future risk periods.
🐂 Don't assume every animal will recover in three days. While many cattle recover, some develop serious complications and need prompt attention.
📞 If your cattle are showing signs, give Callide Valley Vet Clinic a call for advice.
